NAHCON Chairman Concludes Second Pre-Hajj Visit to Saudi Arabia, Secures Key Milestones for 2026 Hajj
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has concluded his second pre-Hajj visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The visit, which took place from January 4 to 19, 2026, focused on consolidating operational arrangements, strengthening coordination with Saudi authorities, and aligning Nigerian service providers and stakeholders with the approved timelines, standards and regulatory frameworks ahead of the pilgrimage.
During the visit, the NAHCON delegation held high-level engagements with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Ministry of Health, Mashāʾir authorities, accommodation and feeding service providers, airlines, as well as Nigerian stakeholders based in the Kingdom. The engagements recorded tangible progress in critical areas including airlift coordination, accommodation and feeding arrangements, Mashāʾir services, medical preparedness, and media coordination frameworks.
Key achievements of the visit included the signing and initiation of service agreements, upload of contracts and proposed flight schedules on the Nusuk Masar platform, inspection and identification of clinics and medical facilities in Makkah and Madinah, confirmation of unified medical screening requirements, alignment on digital health and operational platforms, as well as diplomatic engagements to further strengthen cooperation.
The commission also concluded coordination meetings with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators, reinforcing compliance with agreed timelines, operational guidelines, service standards and regulatory requirements for the 2026 Hajj.
With the conclusion of the visit, NAHCON is set to transition into the next phase of preparations, which include the finalisation of contracts, pilgrims’ data uploads, commencement of medical screening, and sustained engagement with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth, efficient and well-coordinated Hajj exercise.
Commenting on the outcome of the visit, the Technical Assistant (Media) to the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ahmad Mu’azu, said the engagements have firmly positioned Nigeria for a successful 2026 Hajj.
According to him, “The Chairman/CEO’s second pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia has yielded concrete results that place Nigeria on a strong footing ahead of the 2026 Hajj. Critical service agreements have been initiated, operational timelines aligned, and key requirements on airlift, accommodation, medical services and digital platforms clarified with Saudi authorities. NAHCON remains committed to sustained engagement with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless, well-coordinated and pilgrim-centred Hajj operation.”
He reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to uphold global best practices, ensure strict compliance with Saudi regulations, and guarantee timely delivery of quality services to Nigerian pilgrims.